Steering Column: Service and Repair

When servicing collapsible steering columns, care should be exercised since they are extremely susceptible to damage. Dropping of or leaning on column or striking sharp blows on end of steering shaft or shift levers could loosen or shear plastic fasteners which maintain column rigidity. It is important that only the specified screws, bolts and nuts be used during the mandatory reassembly sequence and torqued to specifications to insure proper breakaway action of column under impact. Avoid using excessively long bolts as they may prevent a portion of the steering column from collapsing under impact. When removing or installing, steering wheel, ignition switch or lock, turn signal switch, adjusting transmission linkage, or installing and adjusting neutral-start or back-up light switch, refer to appropriate car chapter. If a shift tube shows a sheared plastic injection, a new shift tube must be installed. If a steering shaft shows a sheared plastic, or if the steering column has been collapsed a complete new column must be installed. On some models, the attaching brackets will shear under impact and must also be replaced.

Fig. 12 Tilt steering column exploded view (Typical). 1984---87 EXP, Tempo & Topaz:

Fig. 11 Fixed steering column exploded view (Typical). Escort, Lynx, EXP, LN7, Tempo & Topaz exc. models w/air bag restraint system (Part 1 of 2):

Fig. 11 Fixed steering column exploded view (Typical). Escort, Lynx, EXP, LN7, Tempo & Topaz exc. models w/air bag restraint system (Part 2 of 2):

ESCORT & LYNX; EXP & LN7; TEMPO & TOPAZ
Refer to Figs. 11 and 12 for steering column component identification. On 1985---87 Tempo and Topaz models with the Supplemental Airbag Restraint System, refer to ``Passive Restraint Systems'' section prior to servicing steering column.



Removal
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove steering column cover from lower portion of instrument panel, then the instrument panel reinforcement section.
3. Remove lower steering column shroud.
4. Loosen, but do not remove the two nuts and bolts retaining steering column to support bracket. Remove upper shroud.
5. Disconnect all column electrical connectors.
6. Loosen steering column to intermediate shaft clamp and remove nut or bolt.
7. Remove two nuts and bolts retaining column to support bracket and lower the column to floor. With steering column locked, pry open the steering column shaft clamp to disengage shafts. Do not use excessive force, since damage to components may result.
8. Remove column and inspect bracket clips for damage. Replace clips if bent or excessively distorted.

Fig. 13 Measuring distance steering shaft protrudes past tube assembly. 1982 Escort, Lynx, EXP & LN7:

Installation
1. On 1982 models, check distance steering shaft protrudes past outer tube assembly. This distance must be 1.44---1.63 inches, Fig. 13.
2. Engage lower steering shaft to intermediate shaft. Loosely install nut and bolt.
3. Place steering column under instrument panel, align bolts of support bracket with outer tube and loosely install the two nuts. Check for presence of the two clips on the outer bracket. These clips must be present to ensure adequate performance of system.
4. Loosely install bolts through outer tube upper bracket and clips and into the support bracket.
5. Connect all electrical connectors and install upper shroud, torque mounting nut and bolt to 17---25 ft. lbs.
6. Turn steering column left and right one complete turn to align intermediate shaft. Torque steering shaft clamp nut to 20---30 ft. lbs.
7. Install lower trim shroud and instrument panel reinforcement section.
8. Install steering column cover on instrument panel.
9. Connect battery ground cable and check steering column for proper operation.